Animal Biology

Course Description

Course Name

Animal Biology

Host University

University of the South Pacific

Location

Suva, Fiji

Area of Study

Animal Science, Biology

Language Level

Taught In English

Course Level Recommendations

Lower

ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

Hours & Credits

Credits

3 - 4

Recommended U.S. Semester Credits

3 - 4

Recommended U.S. Quarter Units

4 - 6

Overview

This course introduces students to the diversity, functional morphology, and evolution of the major groups of animals, and protozoans. The objective of this course is to provide a broad understanding of animal diversity, morphology, and life processes of animals so as to build a solid foundation for more advanced courses in animal biology.

Topics

The emphasis of the course will be on the major features of each group in terms of morphology, function, ecology and evolutionary relationships with other groups. Important steps in the evolution of animals, especially those that led to the diversification of particular groups and to the colonisation of land by invertebrates and vertebrates, will be highlighted.

In the laboratory component of the course students will examine live and preserved material, slides and whole mounts, in order to become familiar and be able to reliably recognise all of the major groups and subgroups of the animals.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The objective of this course is to provide a broad understanding of animal diversity, morphology, and life processes of animals so as to build a solid foundation for more advanced courses in Animal Biology. This course includes a brief study of eukaryotic cellular organisation with focus on animal cells and introduces the basic concepts in animal biology. The diversity, general characteristics, functional morphology and evolutionary relationships of major animal and protozoan groups will be covered. Important features with reference to life cycles and ecology will be included. Any evolutionary innovations in a particular group and diversification will be highlighted.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: On successful completion of the course students should be able to

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or pre-requisites.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.